ThriveEpping
Not asking to be rescued. Asking for a chance.
A youth outreach, mentoring and employability programme across Epping Forest — meeting young people where they already are. Running 2026–2028.
Trusted adults in the places young people actually spend their time.
THRIVE takes support out onto the estates, parks and town centres of Epping Forest, then backs it up with one-to-one mentoring and real routes into work, training and confidence. It's early help — reaching young people before problems escalate, and giving residents safer, calmer public spaces.
Out on the street, every week
Wednesdays · 4:00–6:30pm · Loughton
- Detached youth work in public spaces and known hotspots
- Pop-up positive activities — sport, gaming, music and podcasting tasters
- Trusted-adult support and informal advice
- Early identification of risk and vulnerability
- Signposting straight into 1:1 mentoring
- 22 sessions a year, weighted to the school holidays
One-to-one mentoring that sticks
- A part-time, trauma-informed mentor with a manageable caseload
- 1:1 action plans, emotional wellbeing and resilience
- Education and attendance support
- Employability — CVs, interviews, apprenticeships and training
- Safeguarding and referral coordination
- Progress measured with WEMWBS, SPS and RSES at entry and exit
We start with the young people most likely to be overlooked.
Young people aged 10–25Especially those facing barriers to opportunity
At risk of exploitation or ASBReached early, before harm escalates
Not in education, employment or trainingBacked with real progression routes
Low confidence, anxiety or isolationQuiet struggles that often go unseen
Families under pressureOpen to everyone who needs it
Residents affected by ASBCalmer, safer shared public spaces
Weekly outreach
Prefer somewhere quieter?
Some young people would rather get support away from their own area — because of peer conflict, anxiety, or just privacy.
For them, 1:1 mentoring, creative media and employability coaching are available at the Youth Unity Unity Hub in Romford — a safe, neutral space. Just ask.
Three ways in.
Young person
Just come along on a Wednesday, or message us first if that's easier. No referral, no forms — just turn up.
Parent or carer
Worried about someone? Get in touch and we'll talk through how mentoring or outreach could help.
Professional referral
Schools, GPs, social prescribers and community safety partners — send a referral and we'll pick it up.
Funded to reach further.
THRIVE Epping is funded through The Community Fund at Epping Forest District Council, with the support of Google.org.
Delivered by Youth Unity CIC